Birds

A large flock of foreboding turkeys hanging around the perimeter of an East Bay medical facility is beginning to cause some concern for the hospital’s visitors and staff, as first reported by KTVU.

Photo: Sherry Carter

Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle

Like other locations in the East Bay, the John Muir clinic on Grant Street in Concord has seen around a dozen turkeys become a “common sight” in front of the building, sometimes blocking doors and “getting aggressive” with people and cars in the parking lot.

John Muir’s Director of Corporate Communications Ben Drew says people have been feeding the birds and, as a result, they’ve been around for more than a year, scratching cars and defecating around the hospital.

“(The turkeys) are threatening patients and staff, coming up to people as they get out of their cars,” he told SFGATE. “People have been trapped in their cars, with birds pecking at the door.”

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Many times these birds can become nuisance animals. Particularly out in open ranges where there are structures or in suburban developments. Since they are creatures of habit– many birds will flock together and just return to the same dwellings and structures if there is food nearby. That is when you may need the skills of a nuisance wildlife control professional.

WORRIED ABOUT INVASIVE BIRDS?

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Speak with a trusted professional. We would like to be your local expert and learn about your current situation. Call us now! We specialize in humane trapping and take pride in using the most advanced technology which is the least invasive to the animal, you and your property!

Are Muscovy Ducks Aggressive?

Muscovy ducks are native to South America. But did you know, they are the only duck that is held in captivity, that is not a descendant of the wild MALLARD?! Please be aware however, that a Muscovy DRAKE (male) can sometimes be aggressive. If and when this does happen in Sarasota, FL or any other area, it is important that you do not ignore the problem. If the problem is not addressed, it is likely to continue and increase. This could escalate to people getting injured, bitten or bruised.

WORRIED ABOUT MUSCOVY DUCKS?

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Why do people like to have Muscovy ducks? People like to have them for a few different reasons. For the most part the animals are quiet. They can be interesting because their feathers and colors come in such a wide range of colors. Also, the drakes have a more generous amount of meat than many other ducks. If a Muscovy duck shows signs of aggression, there are several steps that can be taken. The first one is to segregate the duck away to a separate area from the others. If you can, give it a comfortable area with a fence. The next step is to train the animal by holding its beak shut and say a firm “no.” Next be sure to connect with your animal by socializing with it. For example pet it, feed it out of hand and speak with it kindly. This will help to reassure him or her that you are not a threat. Also it would be good if your duck had a mate. They are ready for this by 5-6 months of age. At the very first sign of forward or aggressive behavior, its best to discourage it promptly. Even when they are just a baby- this behavior will only get worse. There is much debate about whether a muscovy duck is good to have in your area. For more info on this discussion check out our hugely popular post on Muscovy Ducks.

True Wild Muscovy Duck

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Do you have concerns about MUSCOVY DUCKS in your area? Nuisance Wildlife Removal Inc. is your expert for muscovy duck removal in Manatee County. Call today to speak with a trusted professional. We are locally owned, family operated and fully licensed and insured. For more information or a FREE estimate call 1-866-263-WILD or 941-729-2103.

What are Muscovy Ducks Used For?

Muscovy drakes are commercially crossed with mallard-derived hens

40-60% of birds are raised only for their meat production

They grow fast like Mallards but to a large size like muscovy ducks

The Muscovy duck is a large duck that is native to Mexico, Central and South America. In the United States, there are small wild and feral breeding populations that are well established. Mostly in Florida and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. There are even feral muscovy ducks found in New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

There are new regulations from the US Fish and Wildlife Service that adds Muscovy ducks to the list of federally protected native birds. However, they are native only to southern Texas and are considered invasive in all other states. That could result in open season on the ducks in Florida and elsewhere.

How long do Muscovy Ducks live?

Whether they are wild or domesticated Muscovy ducks typically live for 7-8 years. They seem to be resistant to the majority of diseases. The exception is that Avian influenza leads to a 100% mortality rate.

How do I catch muscovy ducks?

If the nuisance ducks are accustomed to being fed, you can often bait them in and get close enough to capture them by net. Traps can be made of welded wire and baited with corn. Muscovy ducks can be removed by trappers for a fee. Remember, according to the FWC, it is a violation of Federal regulations to release the captured birds.

For more information about nuisance muscovy duck removal or a FREE INSPECTION/ESTIMATE Call 1-866-263-WILD or (941)729-2103 tap to call on mobile. We are your local experts for humane and technologically advanced muscovy duck removal, custombird deterrents or bird removal and nest relocationservices.

Did you know that there are 2 types of vultures that you are most likely to see in the state of Florida? They are the turkey vulture and the black vulture.

Do you have a nuisance bird problem? For more information and a FREE INSPECTION/ESTIMATE in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota or surrounding areas, please Call 1-866-263-WILD or (941)729-2103. We are your expert for humane and technologically advanced nuisance bird deflection and removal.

Turkey vultures have a huge 6-foot wingspan and they catch thermals high in the sky. They soar with their wings in what is called a dihedral shape which is a shallow V and often will teeter totter back and forth or side to side. They have long shapes that look like fingers on the ends of their wings. While the front edge of the wings is black and the color gradients out into a light grey out to whit-ish. If you can see them up close, you will detect their bald reddish head.

When it comes to the black vulture, the easiest part to pick out that is different is the color of the feathers. On the black, only the tips of the wings are white-ish grey. Also, they hold their wings more straight across rather than level, so you will not observe the teeter-tottering that you would in the turkey. Also their tale is significantly more stubby. If you ever see the black and the turkey vulture cruising around together, the black’s wingspan is an easy foot shorter than the turkey’s. If you see them closer you will discover the black has a bald black head. and white legs.

Turkey and Black Vulture Credit: Wikimedia

Many times these birds can become nuisance animals. Particularly out in open ranges where there are structures or in suburban developments. Since they are creatures of habit– many birds will flock together and just return to the same dwellings and structures if there is food nearby. That is when you may need the skills of a nuisance wildlife control professional.

For more information or a FREE ESTIMATE on nuisance bird eradication, please call 1-866-263-WILD or (941)729-2103 and speak with a trusted professional. We would like to be your local expert and learn about your current situation. Call us now! We specialize in humane wildlife trapping and we take pride in using the most advanced technologywhich is the least invasive to you and your property.

Humane Wildlife Removal Tampa

If an Osprey builds a nest on top of a light pole, the heat from the lights can ignite the nest and start a fire. That is what happened in St Petersburg, FL not long ago at the Derby Lane Greyhound Track. The burning nest caused 3 eggs to plummet to the ground and break. Officials and witnesses said, that the adult bird was circling overhead and dove through the flames. It was an unfortunate ending for that nest. Thankfully, however, at Nuisance Wildlife Removal, Inc. we are aware of the regulations surrounding Ospreys and know the proper steps for dealing with wildlife removal in Tampa in a humane way. This will ensure that the nest will not catch on fire, and the birds would not be in danger due to this.